This year’s Metro Manila Film Festival features a remarkable attempt at reimagining the Philippines. A co-production by MQuest Ventures, APT Entertainment and MZet Television Productions, The Kingdom places us in a Philippines that was never conquered or colonized, starring an ensemble cast of Vic Sotto, Piolo Pascual, Sue Ramirez, Cristine Reyes, and Sid Lucero.
The film follows sovereign Lakan Makisig Nandula (Sotto) as he navigates the politics of running his kingdom, and the complexities of guiding his own family through his succession. For this High Five Review, we’ll be diving deeper into the world of The Kingdom to see what makes it a captivating watch. Spoilers ahead.
A Compelling Setting
Still from APT Entertainment
The movie begins with two fishermen as they ply their trade in the middle of the sea, when suddenly, they are confronted by the obnoxious coast guard of a country whose name we shall not mention. It’s a story we’re all too familiar with in real life—but instead of being bullied by the coast guard’s intimidations, a large naval cruiser from the Kingdom of Kalayaan intervenes to set things straight.
The Kingdom of Kalayaan is this film’s version of the Philippines—a modern day constitutional monarchy run by a “Lakan.” And because Kalayaan was never colonized, the country’s society is heavily influenced by the worship of “Bathala”—the supreme being from ancient Filipino mythology—with a spiritual guide known as a “Babaylan” even existing in the Lakan’s retinue. But while Kalayaan is a prosperous country reminiscent of Singapore on its surface, it is still a country troubled by the typical problems faced by its real-life counterpart, with poverty still existing and prejudice against the “tinatwa” or outcasts still rampant in the country.
It’s a compelling and exciting setting that guarantees to entice national pride among its viewers. Additionally, one of the movie’s strongest points is its great job at worldbuilding—the set designers placed a lot of fun details throughout the world that makes the setting familiar but wildly different at the same time.
An Elegant Exhibition of Philippine Culture
The setting of the movie gives the people behind the camera a great opportunity to display an original and creative vision that not only highlights pre-colonial Philippines, but also the very best of today’s modern Filipino culture.
From highlighting the importance of traditional tattoos, to bringing life to the jewelry and clothing by weaving figures from the Philippines’ pre-colonial mythologies, as well the wonderful colors that were on full display at every major event and spiritual ceremony—the film is just chock full of amazing displays of everything great about local traditions in the Philippines.
The level of dedicated research and passion to bring this vision to life was felt in every detail, showing that it’s worthy of its Best Production Design win and Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award at the Metro Manila Film Festival Gabi ng Parangal.
A Beautiful Movie for the Senses
To supplement its amazing production design, the cinematography for the film was a strong point for the movie as well. Led by cinematographer Shayne Sarte, the film was incredibly crafted and each shot embodied the age old film principle of “show, don’t tell.” From capturing the almost divine elegance of Lakan Makisig Nandula in each shot, down to showcasing the beauty of Kalayaan’s landscapes.
The film’s soundtrack is also unique, with music that takes full advantage of Filipino traditional instruments such as the bungkaka or bamboo buzzer, libbit or ceremonial drum, and more, that fit perfectly with the film’s setting, and further highlights pre-colonial sensibilities. From visuals to sounds, The Kingdom is truly a feast for the senses.
A Powerhouse Ensemble
Image from APT Entertainment
The Kingdom features an all-star cast of veterans that not only add prestige to an ambitious film, but also brings the story to life with amazing acting that makes it worth the watch. While Vic Sotto’s is usually known for the typical heartwarming MMFF family comedies such as the Enteng Kabisote series of films, his role in The Kingdom marked a departure from his signature genre.
Vic Sotto’s performance as the aged ruler of the Kingdom of Kalayaan truly shines as he brought a level of authority and fatherly tenderness that we come to expect from a family man and a ruler, complemented well by Piolo Pascual’s signature fiery and passionate acting, Sue Ramirez’s joyful naivety, and Cristine Reyes’ emotional and conniving performance. And while Sid Lucero still delivered as the eldest son, Magat Bagwis Nandula, it’s hard not to wish his character had more screen time.
A Promising Road Ahead
Still from APT Entertainment
The Kingdom is ambitious, and does everything in its power to convey its vision for an independent Philippines. After all, it’s trying to capture a world that’s devoid of almost half a century’s worth of foreign influence from our society. The compelling worldbuilding, excellent showcase of pre-colonial Philippine culture and amazing performances from its ensemble cast makes the film a great watch for casual viewers, film buffs and history buffs.
Despite its promising aspects, the film was still weighed down by slow and not-so-stellar action pieces, clunky pacing, plot contrivances, and an ending that left more to be desired. Overall, The Kingdom is a well-crafted movie that showcased a compelling setting that’s brimming with exciting and captivating characters. Viewers of the film could’ve missed it, but the film did have a mid-credits scene ala-MCU style, showing that while the credits have rolled, it’s not a true goodbye which will undoubtedly give its fans an opportunity to be excited for more stories in The Kingdom of Kalayaan. SEA Wave gives The Kingdom 4 waves out of 5.